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Published on: January 26, 2024
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Deep cervical lymph node volume decreases following B-cell depletion therapy.
Nikhil Lele1, Sathish K Dundamadappa2, Christopher C Hemond1
1Departments of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center and University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
Summary
B-cell depletion therapy significantly reduced deep cervical lymph node (dCLN) volumes in patients. Baseline disease-modifying therapy use also impacted dCLN size, suggesting potential imaging biomarkers for neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Deep cervical lymph nodes (dCLNs) are crucial for immune responses originating from the brain.
- dCLNs may play a role in neuroinflammatory processes.
- B-cell depletion therapies are used in neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of B-cell depletion therapy on deep cervical lymph node (dCLN) volumes.
- To explore dCLNs as potential imaging biomarkers in neuroinflammation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study analyzing T2-FLAIR MRI scans.
- Segmentation of bilateral dCLNs at prebaseline, baseline, and post-therapy timepoints.
- Multivariable mixed-effect regression modeling to assess changes in dCLN volume.
Main Results:
- No significant change in dCLN volumes between prebaseline and baseline.
- A significant decrease of 158 mm³ in dCLN volume was observed after ocrelizumab infusion (p=0.005).
- Pre-existing disease-modifying therapy was associated with smaller dCLN volumes and reduced the therapy's effect.
Conclusions:
- B-cell depletion therapy leads to a reduction in deep cervical lymph node volumes.
- dCLNs may serve as imaging biomarkers for therapeutic effects in neuroinflammation.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the clinical utility of dCLNs.
